An introduction to your new Intercollegiate SAS Education committee
In April 2021, the Joint Surgical Colleges Meeting (JSCM) approved a proposal to create an Intercollegiate SAS Education Committee with representation from the four Surgical Colleges and ten Surgical Specialty Associations (SSAs). As well as SAS Grades, the committee will also have consideration for Locally Employed Doctors (LEDs) in surgical posts, including Trust Grades, Clinical Fellows, Clinical Assistants, and other non-standard posts across the UK. In Ireland, this committee also represents Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs). In committee business and in these webpages, the term ‘SAS’ is used to include all those in SAS grade posts, Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (Ireland) and LED type posts.
The Intercollegiate Surgical Education Committee Hub for SAS doctors, Locally Employed Doctors (LEDs) and the equivalent in Ireland, the Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHD).
It was agreed that this Committee will consider the following issues, and provide coordination of educational and advisory activity in areas which include the following:
- Career advice and support (Colleges)
- Creation of webinars and courses to include generic and specialist topics (Colleges and SSAs)
- Mentor training (Colleges and SSAs)
- Skills development (Colleges and SSAs)
- Learning tools (ISCP/JCST)
- CESR application advice (ISCP and SSAs)
- Assessment support (JCIE)
- Credentialling
See the full Terms of Reference here.
Our vision
Improved educational support, development & mentorship
Principally the committee is responsible for the educational development of SAS Grades and those in related grades. By providing a liaison group for the SAS community it can bring together experience, assess needs, and support the development of educational provision specifically required for this group of doctors.
For the vast majority of SAS, support with career progression to allow doctors to work to their full potential is the most pressing need.
Recent changes in the evidence required for the CESR process, the new FRCS examination criteria, and the introduction of a new Senior SAS role, the Specialist Grade, are all areas for development that the new committee can address.
Improved communication & relationships
Communication between the new committee and the JCST regarding any changes to the ISCP will provide a broader less piecemeal approach. All Colleges and SSAs will provide input, and there should be an ongoing discussion as relationships build up.
Many of the SSAs already provide significant support with the CESR process, and by sharing their ideas and experience, SSAs can develop further in this area.
Mentorship training can be provided for SAS at a College level, and more specific mentorship within specialties or for CESR application is available from some SSAs, possibly more in future.
Issues such as funding for education and training, recognition and employment terms and conditions are outside the responsibility of Colleges, but the Colleges can have influence in these areas.
